Production of Tea: Orthodox Tea Vs, CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) Tea

Most orthodox teas are produced in China, Sri Lanka, Darjeeling and Assam. They represent about 31% of world tea production. An additional 25% is green and oolong tea. This means that about 55% or over one half of all tea produced is processed by the orthodox form of processing.

Therefore about 45% of teas are processed by the CTC (Crush, tear and curl) method of production. CTC describes the use of machinery that mechanically chops up both leaves, buds and stems without discrimination as to the quality of the end product. CTC produces tea that is finely ground and low in quality. All the leaves, buds and stems are ground down to an equal size, mostly dust and fannings, and are mainly used in tea bags filled with lower quality tea.

When the CTC method is used to produce lower quality bagged tea, usually only one infusion is possible.

Alternatively, the orthodox method oxidizes and prepares teas with a focus on the top quality leaves and buds that produce strong, robust flavor and are capable of multiple infusions. The highest quality tea leaves and buds are processed through the orthodox method whereas, the CTC method is associated with bagged tea of lesser quality.

The CTC method is highly efficient as opposed to the orthodox method that is very labor intensive. The CTC method is able to produce more tea at a lower cost and quality and the dust and fannings produced by CTC processing infuse very quickly because of the lower mass the small pieces allow. Furthermore CTC was a savior to the tea bag industry because the lower cost of producing inferior quality tea more than offset the price of the packaging of the tea bag. CTC therefore offset the higher packaging cost of tea bags with the lower quality tea produced by mechanizing the process.

Orthodox tea, on the other hand, avoids the tea bag cost but has higher processing cost - but the result is a higher quality, better tasting tea capable of supporting multiple infusions.

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Jon M. Stout

Is the Plucking Time Important When Choosing White Licorice Tea?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-27 |
Word Count: 863 |
Page Views: 3204
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
White tea is the rarest tea in the world. Long praised in Asia,
it is just beginning to gain popularity in the Western world.
People everywhere are clamoring to get their hands on this rare
treat. White tea is used in many blends, and none is more
refreshing than White Licorice Tea. White Licorice tea is a
delicious blend of fine white tea and star anise to provide the
licorice flavor.

What is a Good White Licorice Blend?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-27 |
Word Count: 863 |
Page Views: 3955
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.20
There are many white teas and white tea blends to choose from.
But, you won't find any more delicious than white licorice tea.
However, just as with other blends of white tea, to get the best
flavor from your white licorice tea, it's important to choose a
good quality blend. The difference between teas that have been
made using the best ingredients and those created using inferior
ingredients is significant, so it pays to know what you’re buying
when you purchase any white tea blend.

What is a Good White Persian Melon Blend?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-23 |
Word Count: 847 |
Page Views: 3321
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.33
White teas are the rarest and most expensive of all teas. So,
it's important to buy good quality white tea so that you're
truly getting your money's worth. When you're purchasing a
white tea blend, like White Persian Melon tea, it's also
important that you choose a quality blend; so that the flavor of
the white tea is not compromised by the way it's been blended.

Tea, Sugar and Slavery
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-23 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 3986
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
Of all the evils that have affected mankind, slavery or human
bondage ranks among the worst. Slavery, in all its various forms
from ancient empires like Rome to the ante bellum American South
to the slave labor of Hitler's Third Reich and the Soviet Gulags
has ruined millions of lives and degraded many cultures
throughout history.

Tea and Alcoholism: A Long History
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-22 |
Word Count: 585 |
Page Views: 3889
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.38
Anyone who suffers from alcoholism knows that it is an incurable
disease that is as insidious as it is devastating. But with total
abstinence from drink and the use of support groups like
Alcoholics Anonymous recovery can be life long.

Taxing Tea - A British Tradition
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-21 |
Word Count: 947 |
Page Views: 3788
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.43
While British citizens likely saw the first importations of tea
from the Orient in the 1500 to 1600s as a sensation that added a
little spark to their traditional coffee houses, the government
saw something else - money. As this beverage quickly became the
favored choice of the lower classes, British nobility saw a way
to line the coffers of government.

Oolong Tea Is A Proven Fat Fighter
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-21 |
Word Count: 909 |
Page Views: 2872
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.30
As the detrimental health impacts of obesity become even clearer,
more people are searching for ways to gain an edge in the battle
of the bulge. With obesity in America an ever-present concern,
the fad, gadget and specialty food market is booming. Dropping
pounds for the sake of appearances and for the sake of health is
a very big trend indeed. Although some items simply do not work,
one very basic drink stands out as a powerful weapon to add to an
arsenal for fat fighting.

Impacts On China - Green Tea And The Global Trade
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-20 |
Word Count: 880 |
Page Views: 3893
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.38
5/19/2008 9:48PM China's love affair with green tea is believed
to have begun thousands of years ago. It took centuries for the
Chinese to share this secret with their neighbors in Japan and
even longer for the country to begin exporting this bountiful
crop to destinations all over the world.

History Of Green Tea
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-20 |
Word Count: 988 |
Page Views: 3843
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 1.78
Green tea has a history that dates back thousands of years.
Although this particular type of tea is only now gaining major
notoriety in the West, it has been known to the Chinese and
Japanese for centuries. This type of tea is less heavily
processed than its counterpart made from the same leaves, but
despite this fact, it has not been a heavy export from Asia until
the past few years.

Is There a Connection Between Food Allergies and Mental Health?
Written by: Valerie Balandra ARNP |
Distributed: 2008-09-02 |
Word Count: 925 |
Page Views: 4498
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.38
When it comes to the topic of food allergies, many of us think of
young children and peanut allergies. After all, the
sometimes-fatal reactions of those with peanut allergies are
responsible for warnings on food, in restaurants, and other
establishments where one may come in contact with peanuts or
peanut residue. You should know, though, that food allergies go
well beyond peanuts, young children, and physical reactions.

Is the Plucking Time Important When Choosing White Licorice Tea?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-27 |
Word Count: 863 |
Page Views: 3204
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
White tea is the rarest tea in the world. Long praised in Asia,
it is just beginning to gain popularity in the Western world.
People everywhere are clamoring to get their hands on this rare
treat. White tea is used in many blends, and none is more
refreshing than White Licorice Tea. White Licorice tea is a
delicious blend of fine white tea and star anise to provide the
licorice flavor.

Tea, Sugar and Slavery
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-23 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 3986
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
Of all the evils that have affected mankind, slavery or human
bondage ranks among the worst. Slavery, in all its various forms
from ancient empires like Rome to the ante bellum American South
to the slave labor of Hitler's Third Reich and the Soviet Gulags
has ruined millions of lives and degraded many cultures
throughout history.

Tea and Alcoholism: A Long History
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-22 |
Word Count: 585 |
Page Views: 3889
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.38
Anyone who suffers from alcoholism knows that it is an incurable
disease that is as insidious as it is devastating. But with total
abstinence from drink and the use of support groups like
Alcoholics Anonymous recovery can be life long.

Taxing Tea - A British Tradition
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-21 |
Word Count: 947 |
Page Views: 3788
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.43
While British citizens likely saw the first importations of tea
from the Orient in the 1500 to 1600s as a sensation that added a
little spark to their traditional coffee houses, the government
saw something else - money. As this beverage quickly became the
favored choice of the lower classes, British nobility saw a way
to line the coffers of government.

Private Label Bottled Water - How Important is Label Design?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-14 |
Word Count: 483 |
Page Views: 3397
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.50
Private label bottled water has been proven as an effective
marketing promotion and brand builder but care must be taken in
the quality of the design in order to avoid ruining the branding
message and reducing the quality of the brand.

The Truth About Bottled Spring Water Vs Purified Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-14 |
Word Count: 584 |
Page Views: 4658
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 0.71
When you compare purified water against spring water the truth is
revealed: If you want water that contains contaminants, is based
upon hype, word parsing and marketing exaggeration - then drink
spring water. If you want to drink water that is 100 percent pure
and provides a healthy lifestyle for you and your family - drink
purified water.

The Real Truth About Bottled Water, Purified Water and Tap Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-13 |
Word Count: 1822 |
Page Views: 3385
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
There has been substantial information and misinformation about
bottled water and its value and beneficial effecst. Many people
and organizations have joined the argument and the pros and cons
have been widely discussed. As a result there has been a
significant amount of disinformation distributed and discussed.

Most Viewed "Food And Drink" Articles

Purified Water Vs Spring Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-04-25 |
Word Count: 869 |
Page Views: 13805
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.73
As the overall safety of the public water supply is under
scrutiny thanks to a recent Associated Press study that uncovered
some disturbing contaminants, many consumers are likely finding
themselves wondering if bottled water is better. For many, the
facts about bottled water will make this the clear choice.

How to Make Simple Quesadillas Your Whole Family Will Love
Written by: Shelia Norling |
Distributed: 2008-02-26 |
Word Count: 550 |
Page Views: 5214
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.70
Here's a simple dinner you can make any time. My family loves it
when I fix quesadillas and I love it because they're so easy I
can fix them when I don't have a lot of time. These quesadillas
are similar to what you might order in a restaurant but they're
not as greasy as they sometimes can be.

Food in South East Asia
Written by: Alex J Smith |
Distributed: 2007-10-12 |
Word Count: 440 |
Page Views: 5182
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.92
The rich culture of South East Asia lies at the tastiest food in
the world. Once known as the land of the spices, the food of the
Thais, Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Indonesians are among the most
famous exotic creations. Much of the identity of South East Asia
lies on the different food that come from unique, yet common
backgrounds following the influences of Indian, Chinese, and the
European colonizers along with the local flavour.

The Truth About Bottled Spring Water Vs Purified Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-14 |
Word Count: 584 |
Page Views: 4658
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 0.71
When you compare purified water against spring water the truth is
revealed: If you want water that contains contaminants, is based
upon hype, word parsing and marketing exaggeration - then drink
spring water. If you want to drink water that is 100 percent pure
and provides a healthy lifestyle for you and your family - drink
purified water.

Is There a Connection Between Food Allergies and Mental Health?
Written by: Valerie Balandra ARNP |
Distributed: 2008-09-02 |
Word Count: 925 |
Page Views: 4498
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.38
When it comes to the topic of food allergies, many of us think of
young children and peanut allergies. After all, the
sometimes-fatal reactions of those with peanut allergies are
responsible for warnings on food, in restaurants, and other
establishments where one may come in contact with peanuts or
peanut residue. You should know, though, that food allergies go
well beyond peanuts, young children, and physical reactions.

Vanilla Jasmine Tea: India's Teas Vs. Ceylon Teas
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-27 |
Word Count: 850 |
Page Views: 4141
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 1.40
One of the most delicious blends of tea is vanilla jasmine. There
are many varieties of vanilla jasmine tea since it could be made
from any type of tea. While jasmine tea has traditionally been
made from green tea, vanilla jasmine tea is found as often made
from black tea as green.

What Is A Quality Vanilla Jasmine Tea Garden?
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-31 |
Word Count: 871 |
Page Views: 4123
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.20
The vast majority of those who drink tea have tasted at least one
variety of jasmine tea. However, vanilla jasmine tea, one of the
most flavorful varieties of jasmine tea, is less familiar. But,
you'll not find a more delicious blend of tea than vanilla
jasmine in terms of both flavor and aroma.

How Are Flavored Teas Different From Other Teas
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-25 |
Word Count: 881 |
Page Views: 4049
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.33
Some of the world's most popular and most widely consumed teas
are flavored teas. Adding flavors to tea is centuries old and is
a wonderful way to add a new dimension to a favorite variety of
tea. With the many combinations of tea varieties and flavorings,
nearly any taste is possible.

Tea, Sugar and Slavery
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-23 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 3986
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
Of all the evils that have affected mankind, slavery or human
bondage ranks among the worst. Slavery, in all its various forms
from ancient empires like Rome to the ante bellum American South
to the slave labor of Hitler's Third Reich and the Soviet Gulags
has ruined millions of lives and degraded many cultures
throughout history.

Highest Ranked "Food And Drink" Articles

Tea: What Are Good White Tea Blends
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-12 |
Word Count: 859 |
Page Views: 3267
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.44
One of the most recent trends in Western tea drinking is white
tea. Though white tea has been around for centuries, it has only
recently become popular outside of the Asian world. And, even in
China and Japan, where most white tea is grown, it was
traditionally reserved for special occasions because of its
rarity. Today, however, tea drinkers all over the world are
enjoying white tea more and more.

The Experience of Chai
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-04-28 |
Word Count: 822 |
Page Views: 2992
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.40
Indians have been drinking chai for over 5000 years, and they
drink it hot or cold. Legend has it that chai was invented by a
king in the courts of India and Siam. It is told that he
protected the recipe tightly, guarding it as a treasure. Chai was
used as part of a Hindu natural healing system called ayurveda.
Ayurveda used spices, herbs and sweeteners in precise
combinations to cure ailments.

What Is A Quality Vanilla Jasmine Tea Garden?
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-31 |
Word Count: 871 |
Page Views: 4123
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.20
The vast majority of those who drink tea have tasted at least one
variety of jasmine tea. However, vanilla jasmine tea, one of the
most flavorful varieties of jasmine tea, is less familiar. But,
you'll not find a more delicious blend of tea than vanilla
jasmine in terms of both flavor and aroma.

Food in South East Asia
Written by: Alex J Smith |
Distributed: 2007-10-12 |
Word Count: 440 |
Page Views: 5182
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.92
The rich culture of South East Asia lies at the tastiest food in
the world. Once known as the land of the spices, the food of the
Thais, Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Indonesians are among the most
famous exotic creations. Much of the identity of South East Asia
lies on the different food that come from unique, yet common
backgrounds following the influences of Indian, Chinese, and the
European colonizers along with the local flavour.

Choosing a Tea Company
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-06 |
Word Count: 420 |
Page Views: 2920
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.86
Tea connoisseurs are always looking for the best teas. And, often
we're disappointed. Many times we pay good money for tea that
lacks flavor, even though we've purchased loose tea from what we
believe to be a good company.

History of Tea in Hong Kong: Tea, Opium and the Balance of Trade
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-07 |
Word Count: 1336 |
Page Views: 3466
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.86
Even the most casual visit to Hong Kong cannot help but notice
what a uniquely vibrant Asia city it is. Hong Kong is exciting,
different, exotic and welcoming - all rolled into one. It is
basically Chinese (the majority of the residents are Cantonese)
but most people speak English and almost all are engaged in some
form of commerce.

Purified Water Vs Spring Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-04-25 |
Word Count: 869 |
Page Views: 13805
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.73
As the overall safety of the public water supply is under
scrutiny thanks to a recent Associated Press study that uncovered
some disturbing contaminants, many consumers are likely finding
themselves wondering if bottled water is better. For many, the
facts about bottled water will make this the clear choice.

How to Make Simple Quesadillas Your Whole Family Will Love
Written by: Shelia Norling |
Distributed: 2008-02-26 |
Word Count: 550 |
Page Views: 5214
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.70
Here's a simple dinner you can make any time. My family loves it
when I fix quesadillas and I love it because they're so easy I
can fix them when I don't have a lot of time. These quesadillas
are similar to what you might order in a restaurant but they're
not as greasy as they sometimes can be.

The Best Vanilla Jasmine Tea Pluckings
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-27 |
Word Count: 850 |
Page Views: 3828
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.60
Whenever you're trying a new tea for the first time, you want to
ensure that you get the very best quality in the tea. Vanilla
jasmine tea is becoming a favorite of many tea drinkers because
of its sweet, comforting and fragrant flavor. And, the flavors of
vanilla and jasmine blend so well with any flavor, this tea can
be made from green, white, black or oolong teas.